Xiaomi 13 Lite vs Xiaomi 12 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

Xiaomi's 'Lite' series offers excellent value, but choosing between the 13 Lite and 12 Lite can be tricky. Both phones pack impressive features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 13 Lite boasts a brighter display and a newer, slightly faster chipset. However, the 12 Lite edges out with marginally better battery life and faster initial charging. Ultimately, the 13 Lite is a worthwhile upgrade if display quality and performance are priorities, while the 12 Lite remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 13 Lite Xiaomi 12 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, February 262022, July 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, March 08Available. Released 2022, July 11
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.2 x 72.7 x 7.2 mm (6.27 x 2.86 x 0.28 in)159.3 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.29 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)173 g (6.10 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 950 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 644Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual32 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.3, (depth)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging67W wired, 100% in 40 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 50% in 13 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Lite Blue, Lite PinkBlack, Lite Green, Lite Pink
Models-2203129G
PriceAbout 180 EUR€ 119.80 / $ 269.00 / £ 121.15
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.60 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 93h Endurance rating 100h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.5 LUFS (Average) -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 534143 (v9) GeekBench: 2936 (v5.1), 2434 (v6) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 528905 (v9) GeekBench: 2943 (v5.1) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 13 Lite

  • Brighter Display
  • Newer Chipset (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1)
  • Faster Charging (40 min to 100%)
  • Sleeker Design (generally)

  • Slightly lower battery endurance
  • Potentially higher price

Xiaomi 12 Lite

  • Excellent Battery Life (100h endurance)
  • Faster initial charging (50% in 13 min)
  • Potentially lower price
  • Proven Reliability

  • Less bright display
  • Older Chipset (Snapdragon 778G 5G)

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13 Lite takes the lead here with a measured peak brightness of 938 nits, significantly brighter than the 12 Lite's 824 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite, nominally), resulting in vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 13 Lite's brighter screen will be more visible in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed comparisons require more in-depth testing. Generally, the 13 Lite's newer image processing algorithms may offer slightly improved image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both phones offer good video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the 13 Lite is a newer chipset built on a 4nm process, offering a slight performance advantage over the 12 Lite's Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm). While both are capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the 13 Lite should exhibit smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. Real-world differences will be noticeable but not drastic.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 12 Lite holds a slight edge in battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 100 hours compared to the 13 Lite's 93 hours. However, the 13 Lite's 67W charging is faster, reaching 100% in 40 minutes, while the 12 Lite reaches 50% in 13 minutes. This means the 13 Lite will charge faster, even if it doesn't last quite as long on a single charge.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 13 Lite is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption and gaming, and appreciate a more modern chipset for smoother performance. The Xiaomi 12 Lite is a great choice for those seeking excellent battery life and a proven, reliable performer at a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xiaomi 13 Lite worth the upgrade from the 12 Lite?
If you prioritize a brighter display and slightly better performance, the 13 Lite is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life and price are your main concerns, the 12 Lite remains a compelling option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi 13 Lite's newer Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers a slight edge in gaming performance, although both phones can handle most games smoothly.